LAUREN DALEY: An artist's view of the 'economic divide'

When you think Narrows Center, you probably think live music — but they also have an incredible art gallery.

When you think Narrows Center, you probably think live music — but they also have an incredible art gallery.

I urge you to check it out.

Over the past year, I've been wowed by some amazing exhibits at the Fall River arts center.

My mind was blown by "The Art of the Brick," a LEGO art installation by internationally renowned LEGO artist Nathan Sawaya that appeared at the Narrows back in 2011.

His larger-than-life LEGO sculptures — including a man opening up his chest and a frozen human pressing on what appears to be glass — had my mouth gaping in awe.

Sawaya has since had installments at The John F. Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C., MASS MoCA in North Adams and the New York Public Library, along with shows in Singapore and Taiwan. Kudos to the Narrows for grabbing him when they did.

I also loved "Damn the Torpedoes," the works of five different graphic artist studios from across the country, depicting hip "gig posters" for some hip bands, including Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeroes, The Avett Brothers, Wilco, Beck and The Black Keys.

There was an epic showing of the works of the late Anthony Quinn last year. Then there was "Memory Forest," a mystical exhibit of sheets of buttons and thread by artist Paula Mailloux. And "The Figure Interpreted," human figures depicted by a dozen different artists.

I could go on.

Suffice to say, if you think the Narrows is just a music venue, think again, my friend. Their art gallery truly stands on its own. Plus, admission is free. What better way to spend a snowy day?

The current exhibit is just as epic as the others I mentioned:

New Bedford sculptor John Magnan's show, "Strangers in Class: Gazing Across the Economic Divide," runs through March 30.

Magnan's wood sculptures include a life-size car tire carved in walnut and ash, exquisitely-carved life-size manhole covers, a 6-foot chess piece, and 1,022 recycled water bottles filled with recycled sawdust that spell out: "The Working Poor."

The pieces not only are visually stunning, but carry a message:

They're visual explorations into "how people in different economic classes perceive each other," said Magnan.

"Do we even acknowledge class differences in our country today? Is it possible for people holding very different portions of our wealth to recognize each other? This exhibit is an exploration of how we view each other across the economic divide."

A lifelong woodworker, Magnan, of New Bedford, began his artistic career in 1995 and earned a master's degree in Fine Arts/sculpture from UMass Dartmouth in 1999. He sells and exhibits work throughout the country.

Magnan has twice been featured on CBS News Sunday Morning and has presented a solo exhibit at Rockefeller Plaza in New York City.

"We're ecstatic to have such gorgeous pieces by such a talented artist on display here in our Narrows Gallery. It's especially meaningful to host a local artist from New Bedford — Fall River's sister city in many ways," said Patrick Norton, executive director of the Narrows.

"We at the Narrows believe 100 percent in the power of art and music, and their importance in our everyday life. That's why, in addition to bringing big-name musical artists to Fall River, we're committed to showcasing talented visual artists with heart and a message," Norton said.

Said Magnan: "I hope visitors to this exhibit (see) that class differences do exist in this country, and that those in different classes lead very different lives with very different opportunities."

He told me the main audience target for this exhibit is the middle class.

"The middle class thinks anything can be achieved by just working harder. The working class and the ultra-rich know this is not true," he said.

"I'd like to raise middle-class awareness that they were given opportunities enabling them to get where they are in life, opportunities that many other people will never get. ... Individual pieces in the show address" that, he said.

For instance, "Horatio's Boots" comments on 19th-century author Horatio Alger Jr.'s famous quotation of "pulling yourself up by the bootstraps." Alger's novels were hooked on the idea of the self-made American dream.

"These are worn-out boots, given to me by a New Bedford dock worker, displayed inside a lighted mirrored box reflecting the boots into infinity," said Magnan.

Magnan said he wants viewers to be reminded that "70 percent of those living below the poverty line have jobs. Working around us every day, they bus tables, clean buildings, stock shelves and work the registers in stores across the country. Always there, and often invisible, they are the working poor, trying to make a living on low, part-time wages, without benefits."

Gallery hours are Wednesday through Saturday, noon to 5 p.m. and by appointment. Admission is free during regular gallery hours. Concert-goers are welcome to view the artwork on performance night. The Narrows Center for the Arts is located at 16 Anawan St., Fall River.

More information is available by visiting www.narrowscenter.org or by calling (508) 324-1926.

Lauren Daley is a freelance writer. Contact her at ldaley33@gmail.com.